The activation code will be sent by email, arriving in one to five days, Target said.

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Once you have your unique code, use it to register at protectmyid.com/target. To enroll in the free service, you’ll then have to provide your name, address, Social Security number and date of birth.

For shoppers without computer access, Target spokeswoman Molly Snyder said they can start the process by calling Target at 866-852-8680.

Experian and Target say the service offers these benefits:

– A free copy of your credit report from Experian, although not your credit score. If you enroll online, your credit report will be available online.

– Daily credit monitoring. If someone opens an account in your name or your credit score is adversely affected, you will receive an email alert.

– Identity theft assistance. If you’re confirmed as an identity theft victim, an identity-theft agent will be assigned to your case and offer help. You also will be covered by identity-theft insurance, covering items like unauthorized transfers.

The deadline to receive an activation code from Target is April 23. It must be used to enroll by April 30.

“We understand some guests are anxious and frustrated about the recent data breach at Target,” the Minneapolis-based discounter said in an online Q&A.

“We are offering this product because your trust is important to us.”

Target said the offer is free to “all Target guests who shopped in U.S. stores.”

On Friday, the company said thieves gained access to contact information on up to 70 million customers. On Dec. 19, Target said up to 40 million credit and debit cards were stolen by hackers.

The company realizes that consumers are wary of providing more personal information. In its Q&A, Target promised that “email collected during this (activation) process will only be used for the purpose of sending a code for free credit monitoring.”

“If you are receiving other Target communications (e.g. weekly circular, Cartwheel, Target.com deals), you will continue to receive those offers and emails,” it said.